Timbers defender Kevin Goldthwaite announces retirement

PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Timbers defender Kevin Goldthwaite today announced his retirement from professional soccer. Goldthwaite retires after a seven-year career in MLS.

Goldthwaite, 28, played 91 matches over seven MLS seasons with the San Jose Earthquakes (2005), Houston Dynamo (2006-07), Toronto FC (2007), New York Red Bulls (2007-10) and Portland (2011). During his time in MLS, Goldthwaite compiled four goals and five assists.

“After a long, unbelievable journey, I have decided to call it a career,” said Goldthwaite. “I am happy that when I look back on my career, I have zero regrets. I would like to thank all the fans in Portland and all the other cities I was lucky enough to play in for everything they have done in supporting me and my teammates.

“Lastly, I want to wish my teammates, the coaching staff and front office all the luck in the world and hopefully they will be hoisting the MLS Cup sooner rather than later.”

From Sacramento, Calif., Goldthwaite aided in Houston’s run to the MLS Cup championship in 2006, playing in 20 games that season. He had a career season in 2008, being named New York’s Defender of the Year and leading the club to a conference championship and an appearance in MLS Cup.

“I have known Kevin for a number of years and we’ve shared some great times together, including winning a championship with Houston,” said Timbers head coach John Spencer. “It’s always sad when a player’s career comes to an end, but I wish Kevin the very best.”

Goldthwaite played for Portland over two stints during his career, including a loan spell as a rookie in 2005 with the second-division Timbers in which he helped the club to a playoff appearance. Goldthwaite returned in 2010, signing with Portland’s second-division side and then continuing on with the Timbers into their first MLS season in 2011.

Goldthwaite suffered a season-ending knee injury on July 16 against the Chicago Fire. He missed the end of the 2009 season with New York and most of 2010 due to injuries.